A Federal Policy to Manage Refrigerant Banks - Spring

Advisor: Adrian Hill

Team Member: Sarah Braverman (Deputy Manager), Allison Day, Rachel Goodgal, Carol Hu, Rachael Grace Patten, Charles Saad (Manager), Andrew Solfest, Tim Woodruff, Alina Yurova

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, are potent greenhouse gases with global warming potential thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide. Significant emissions occur during equipment operation, servicing, and disposal due to leaks and improper refrigerant management. With the passage of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, federal regulators gained authority to reduce emissions, creating an opportunity to develop a comprehensive management framework. Analysis of existing policies and international best practices identified gaps in tracking, disposal, and lifecycle management that limit emissions reductions.

Improving refrigerant management requires coordinated regulatory and industry actions across the entire equipment lifecycle. Establishing a centralized tracking system would improve monitoring and accountability, while extended producer responsibility policies would incentivize manufacturers to design equipment with lower emissions risks. Mandatory leak detection systems, increased inspection frequency, and workforce training programs would significantly reduce emissions during equipment use. Expanding refrigerant reclamation infrastructure and creating financial incentives for proper disposal would further accelerate emissions reductions. Implementing these measures would strengthen federal climate policy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support the transition toward more sustainable refrigeration technologies.

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